Link Found Between Migraines and Heart Disease

IN YOUR DAILY DOSE: Eighteen percent of people living in the U.S. suffer from migraines. Today, researchers find the women who suffer from migraines are 50 percent more likely to also suffer from heart disease during their lifetime.

MAKING CHANGES: Heart disease is a significant primary and secondary health problem. Making just small changes each day can reduce your risk of experiencing the condition responsible for the early death of many people.

FACT OR FICTION: Do you need a quick one-line joke to defuse a situation? Here are a couple you’ll be sure to remember.

In The News

In a study of more than 100,000 women, researchers found that those who suffered from migraine headaches had a 50 percent greater chance of suffering from heart disease, heart attack or stroke.

Physicians already knew migraines were linked to strokes. The research was a combined effort of scientists from Germany, Harvard Medical School and Washington University School of Medicine.

The research found consistent associations between migraines and heart disease in women, but thus far the researchers are not sure if the results are relevant to men.

Although migraines increase your risk by 50 percent for heart attack, heart disease or stroke, it is not an absolute that a migraine will lead to heart disease. Make changes to your daily choices to reduce your potential.

Making Changes

Making small changes can result in big differences in the long-run.

1. Stop smoking. Tobacco and the multiple other chemicals included in cigarettes increase your risk for cancer and heart disease.

2. Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. Don’t spend all your time during the rest of the day in a chair. If you sit for 8 hours after working out, you will complete remove the benefits of exercise. Get up at least every 20 minutes from your chair to stretch, walk and just get your blood moving.

4. Reduce your stress levels. Find a stress reducing activity that you enjoy - whether it’s yoga, exercise, reading, praying, meditating or talking with friends. Find something you can use to reduce the stress in your life.